It’s do or die time for the New Westminster Salmonbellies.
Going into Game 5 at Queen’s Park Arena on Thursday night, the Salmonbellies were tied at two games with the Langley Thunder in the best-of-seven Western Lacrosse Association Sr. A finals. After 60 minutes of play, the Thunder came out on top, beating the Bellies 6-4.
The Thunder struck first in Thursday night’s game before 1,756 fans at Queen’s Park Arena, scoring less than four minutes into the opening period and adding another, before the Bellies got on the scoreboard.
With Langley leading 2-1 after the first period, the Bellies popped in a couple of goals to take the take the lead early in the second. After two more goals from Langley and another from New West, the game was tied 4-4 at the end of the second.
Despite some great scoring chances by the Bellies, Langley had the only goals in the third period, taking a 6-4 lead that they would hold on to for the remainder of the game.
Langley captain Robert Church, who had a five-point night with two goals and three assists, was the game’s first star, while goalie Frank Scigliano, who faced 38 shots from the Bellies, was the second star. New Westminster captain Mitch Jones, who had three points, was the game’s third star.
Game 6 is on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Langley Events Centre. Game 7, if necessary, is at Queen’s Park Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
The winner of the WLA lacrosse finals will host the Major Series Lacrosse champion and compete for the Mann Cup in September. The Six Nations Chiefs swept the Peterbrorough Lakers in four straight games to earn a spot in the national championship.
